| Competition | Date | Opponent | Venue | Result |
| U-17 Play-off 1 | Saturday, 16th March (11am) | Liverpool | Didcot | Drew 0-0 |
Match facts:
Reading goals: None
Assists: None
Opposition goals: None
Half-time: Reading 0 Liverpool 0
Gamebreaker:
Attendance:
Weather:
Referee: I Whelan
Linesmen: D McDonald, A Marcham
Reading line-up: 1 Jamie
Young, 2 Adam Theo (15 Russell Lucas), 3 Callum Earl, 4 Ahmet
Rifat, 5 Peter Castle, 6 Simieon Howell, 7 Darren Campbell (12 Chris Davies), 8 Nathan Bailey, 9 Louie Soares,
10 Andre Boucaud, 11 Leon Bird (16 Simon Cox
junior)
Subs not used: 14 Gary Middleton, 17 Ryan Crockford
Reading yellow cards: Andre Boucaud
Reading red cards: None
Click here or on the small teamsheet picture to see a readable version (will take a while to load up).
Match report:
By our Under-17 correspondent:
First Half
This was Reading's first ever meeting against any Liverpool side at any level. With the Under-19s game having been called off due to a waterlogged Cantley Park Reading were able to field a very strong team to face our illustrious Premiership opponents. A good crowd watched a lively first 15 minutes where both teams put plenty of effort in but with no real attempts on goal. Reading were looking an even match and were certainly not being outplayed by Liverpool who have won their league this year and suffered no defeats.
The two centre backs, Ahnet Rifat and Peter Castle (who is still only 15) dealt very comfortably with any threat. Callum Earl sent a scorching free-kick in from 25 yards only to see it catch a boot on the way through and sneak just wide of the post. Darren Campbell was then put clear with only the keeper to beat but his well struck shot was well saved. Reading created the better of the chances with Leon Bird going very close late in the first half. Captain Jamie Young in goal has been in tremendous form lately and whenever called upon responded very well which bred a confidence throughout the team. Liverpool threatened just before half time with a well worked free-kick which went just wide.
Second Half
Liverpool had their best spell after half time and pressed the Reading back four who held firm. Adam Theo (ankle) was replaced by Russell Lucas, and Reading battled their way back into the game with Louie Soares creating problems for the Liverpool defence. Campbell was replaced by Chris Davies at right mid. Andre Boucaud sent a free kick well over the bar from 22 yards but play became very tight as mistakes would be very costly. The tough tackling Boucaud was winning the midfield battle but found himself in the book after one too many tackles.
Leon Bird was replaced by Simon Cox junior, another bright 15-year-old who slotted in at left mid allowing Nathan Bailey to join the hard working Soares up front. This nearly paid off in the final minutes when a well worked move ended with Bailey volleying powerfully, only for a defender to make a very important lunge and block. Reading finished the better of the two teams and Liverpool appeared happy if not surprised to get a point out of this game against a Reading team that they expected to easily overcome looking at their respective league table positions.
The referee allowed the game to flow which made for a great game to watch. The Reading boys have now won three and drawn this game without conceding a goal and they will go into the next play off game against Leicester City full of confidence. Let's hope that in the third match the Sheffield United boys don't behave like their first team otherwise it will be a long journey not to complete a game!
Match notes:
Ahmet Rifat played in this match, presumably still on trial.
Match preview:
None.
Ticket information:
None.
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